On Thursday, President Bola Tinubu, represented by Vice President Kashim Shettima, called for the strict enforcement of the Child Rights Act and other laws to protect Nigerian children’s safety, dignity, and future. During the launch of the National Action Plan to End Violence Against Children in Abuja, Tinubu emphasized efforts to strengthen institutions and raise awareness through campaigns. He also announced the creation of a dedicated Child Protection and Development Agency and the introduction of the Universal Child Grant to combat household poverty and safeguard vulnerable children.
President Tinubu highlighted the creation of a National Child Protection Database and a Child Well-being Index to track progress and ensure accountability. He emphasized that Nigeria’s legal frameworks, such as the Child Rights Act and the Violence Against Persons (Prohibition) Act, provide a strong foundation for child protection. However, he stressed that enforcement and the commitment of those laws are crucial. The national strategy also focuses on prevention and early intervention through family support, positive parenting, and challenging harmful social norms. Tinubu assured that key institutions, including the Federal Ministry of Women Affairs, are equipped with the necessary resources and training to protect children effectively. He called for genuine action and sincerity, warning that protecting children requires deliberate, concrete efforts beyond words.
President Tinubu highlighted the importance of Africa’s first regional meeting of Pathfinder Countries under the Global Alliance to End Violence Against Children, viewing it as a renewed effort to implement commitments from the Bogotá Conference. UN Special Representative Dr. Najat M’jid urged African leaders to move beyond words and take concrete actions, emphasizing peer learning and collective strategies to overcome common challenges. Nigeria’s Minister of Women Affairs, Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim, reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment, citing progress such as strengthening legal frameworks, expanding child protection programs, and advancing policies like the National Child Policy and strategies to end child marriage.